[Sundae]

For the record I LOVE fireworks.

We only had a backyard show one year - because of cost mainly. We stood well back with Mum, while Dad lit them. I was terrified for him, but enjoyed the danger. Daddies are immortal when you are 7. Both Blue Peter and Mum impressed on us solemnly that you should never touch a firework that hasn't gone off. Even 5 years later. It WILL go off the second it is picked up. Fireworks are malevolent and live mostly to damage children.

Anyway, Dad had carefully nailed up the Catherine Wheel at the bottom of the garden. But it fulfilled its true aim and came free, spinning into the neighbour's garden where sundry children and adults had gathered to watch, and chased Susan Saunders up the path.

She was fine, it was just mild shock. In fact Dad had a habit of damaging the Saunders' children. One Halloween he took to hiding in the shadows when the door was opened, wearing my little brother's werewolf mask and jumping out with his fabulous spooky laugh (practised on us for years to spine-chilling effect). Laura Saunders screamed and ran back up the path in tears - Dad had to go out and show her the mask and apologise before she calmed down. She was about 12.

After the one home fireworks show we didn't have any more. We used to get bundled up in 12 layers of clothes and our wellies (November is Bonfire Night here) and go and watch the Round Table show from the other side of the hedge, so we didn't have to pay entry. I was cold but spellbound. Perhaps because it was forbidden fruit - we could hear the fair, smell the hotdogs and see the fireworks, but it wasn't for the likes of us. I always wondered how come we never get any money from the Round Table. We were too poor to go to any of their events - surely that made us poor enough to get something free?

Anyway - I work for a company with a fireworks division. They also use a lot of pyrotechnics in shows. I love it - I think it's the coollest thing ever.

I completely understand your feelings Cloud. And I agree if it's illegal or dangerous (dry conditions) then it shouldn't happen. But legal, carefully supervised and controlled I think it's a great part of growing up and of our descreet cultural identities. Although if pushed I'd admit a public event is the best option. Just take your own sparklers.

Oh and anyone caught with illegal fireworks should be taken to visit Burns Wards. And I don't mean the haggis and neeps type.